In a digital landscape often dominated by instant messaging and rapid-fire communication, two innovative mobile applications have emerged, inviting users to embrace a more leisurely approach to messaging. Roost Social and Carrier Pidge, both launched in April, allow individuals to send messages via carrier pigeons, albeit in a whimsical, digital format. Despite their simultaneous debut, the creators of these apps were unaware of each other’s existence until after their releases.
How do the apps work?
At the heart of these applications lies a simple yet charming concept: messages are dispatched at the speed of a bird in flight. Carrier Pidge offers a singular focus on pigeons, which the app humorously claims can travel at 110 mph. In contrast, Roost provides users with a delightful selection of various birds and even a turtle, each with its own unique speed—ranging from a mallard at 51 mph to a red-eared slider turtle at a leisurely 1 mph. Users can craft messages and send them to friends, who also have the app, experiencing the anticipation of waiting for their “bird” to arrive.
Roost enhances the user experience with additional features, including mini-games that allow users to level up their chosen animals and a pen pal feature that connects users from around the globe.
Building their nests
The inception of Roost traces back to Logan Mendelsohn, who, during a backpacking trip in Europe over a decade ago, jokingly proposed the idea of an app that would send messages via carrier pigeons. Although the concept remained a playful notion for years, Mendelsohn revisited it in 2025, sharing his vision on TikTok, where it garnered unexpected enthusiasm. After a year of development, Roost was launched on April 30, 2025.
In a more spontaneous fashion, Noah Iarrobino conceived Carrier Pidge one evening while relaxing at home. Inspired and energized, he began building the app that same night, and within just a few days, it was available on the Apple App Store, thanks in part to the assistance of artificial intelligence tools that expedited the coding process.
Both apps got help from AI
Both Mendelsohn and Iarrobino leveraged AI technology to bring their visions to life. Iarrobino utilized an AI chatbot to refine his concept and generate code, while Mendelsohn employed AI to troubleshoot and enhance Roost post-launch. Initially, Mendelsohn faced criticism for using AI-generated artwork in the app, prompting him to initiate a community-driven artist challenge to incorporate user-created designs instead.
In-app purchases to keep afloat
While both apps are free to download, they incorporate in-app purchases to sustain operations. Roost users begin with four animals in their “rookery,” with options to acquire additional creatures ranging from 99 cents to .99. Mendelsohn disclosed that maintaining Roost has incurred significant costs, exceeding ,000 in July alone. Conversely, Carrier Pidge allows users to send one pigeon per conversation, with a small fee for replacements in the event of a pigeon “dying” during transit.
Why are users flocking to carrier pigeon apps?
As of mid-August, Roost has attracted over 700,000 users, while Carrier Pidge has garnered 76,000. This growing interest reflects a broader trend among younger demographics seeking simpler, more intentional forms of communication. Many users express a desire to escape the overwhelming nature of modern technology, with both Mendelsohn and Iarrobino noting that their apps offer a refreshing alternative to the incessant notifications and distractions of traditional social media.
How to download Roost and Carrier Pidge
Roost is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, while Carrier Pidge can be found exclusively on the Apple App Store as of mid-August.
